Does it always take 6 months to get a date?

[finding_onederland 226]

Weight watchers didnt count for me. Had to be a doctor, which seemed silly to me, but depends again on your insurance. They are sure different.

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seems silly to me too! My insurance stipulated 12 months of a conservative weight loss program (non surgical) so WW counted (since I have been a WW'er pretty much my whole adult life)

[KristenLe 5,979]

I just started the process in May. I am trying to jump through the hoops as quickly as possible. I would love an August or September date, but realize it could be much longer.

This is what I'm hoping to do... we'll see!

@@Qwalla Well poop! Lindora should count I would think, but that was only for 10 weeks. Maybe it would knock off some time though? Who knows.

My Nutritionist and Psychiatrist both thought 6 months was too long (I have a good understanding of the surgery and after surgery eating requirements) and my Nutritionist said she would work with me to get that cut down some if necessary. I had consecutive Drs visits in 2015 that showed we discussed weight loss (and often weight loss surgery or diets) that we were going to use to chop off a few months. Bring everything you have as backup/proof with you to your Consult.

[SilentBotts 138]

I started the process in July of last year and surgery took place in March of this year. My insurance company required monthly visits with a nutritionist for 6 months and document weight loss. I also needed to have several consultations to get cleared for surgery. Cardio, pulmonary - which lead to a sleep study, a visit with the surgery centers behavioral psychologist, and also the sign off of the nutritionist and the surgeon.

[marylu 12]

I have my first appointment June 1st, honestly, I'd love to get the surgery over the summer (as this is when I have the most help/time off), But.... I doubt this is possible? I have a couple friends who had surgery with the same guy I have a consult with. (A preferred surgeon through my insurance, thus being covered at a higher rate) And she said it took 6 months. She also said if I was to be more flexible with scheduling appointments. (With nutritionist, psychologist, etc.) It could go faster. But how much faster?

Tina, I'm having my surgery on June 24th @ mayo in jacksonville. Because I had a lot of things wrong with me, like sleep apnea, etc.. It's taken me over a year. They want to make sure that you know everything & are ready for your new re-birth.

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[Tina4heath4ever 27]

@@KristenLe What constituent as "proof" does a credit card bill count? Or do I have to go in and get my records?

@@KristenLe What constituent as "proof" does a credit card bill count? Or do I have to go in and get my records?

[KristenLe 5,979]

@@Tina4heath4ever You will have to show records of tracked weight.

[Clementine Sky 707]

It seems to require a lot more time and hoop jumping to get a date if you're going through insurance. I had really positive experience having surgery in Mexico, and was able to schedule it precisely during the time when I wanted it to be. If my insurance was going to cover it (they wouldn't because my BMI was too low), It would have taken over a year to complete all their requirements and then for an in-network surgeon to schedule the date.

I just wanted to throw it out there that if you really want flexibility with your date, having the surgery with a reputable surgeon in Mexico is worth considering. It was virtually stress-free for me.

[Tina4heath4ever 27]

@@SilentBotts So a little over 6 months?

@@marylu Thanks for sharing your story and good luck with your surgery! <3

I guess I'm just impatient. I've thought about this surgery for 13 years, and now that I've decided to do it, I just want to hurry up and be on the other side of it. I must learn patience.

[Tina4heath4ever 27]

@@Clementine Sky I've heard of this, and it's honesty tempting, but I doubt my husband would go for this option. I'm also sure there's more out of pocket costs? that's another factor for me.

[Tina4heath4ever 27]

@@Tina4heath4ever You will have to show records of tracked weight.

Okay, so the only thing that would count would be Lindora. And I only have 10 weeks recorded of that.

[KristenLe 5,979]

Nutrisystem and WW may have your records if it wasn't too long ago but wait until your consult to see if you even need them.

[Tina4heath4ever 27]

@@KristenLe Thank you Kristen! So helpful!

[SilentBotts 138]

@@Tina4heath4ever

Yeah, and I just remembered that I missed my second nutritionists appointment and that needed to be rescheduled which also slowed me down a bit.

[Tina4heath4ever 27]

@@SilentBotts So that's not too bad then. It can be my Christmas present to myself! Probably a hard time to go through everything, but maybe the best too... We'll see!

[OutsideMatchInside 10,166]

I went from first visit to surgery in 8 weeks. Could have been sooner but holidays and vacations delayed some of the pre-op testing.